New Mexico's Investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch

New Mexico lawmakers are poised to gain access to Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch, now known as San Rafael Ranch, as part of a significant investigation into alleged abuses linked to the late financier. The ranch, spanning over 7,500 acres near Santa Fe, is currently owned by Don Huffines, a former Republican state senator and businessman. Huffines purchased the property four years after Epstein's death, stating that he had never visited it prior to its auction listing. He has expressed intentions to transform the ranch into a Christian retreat, emphasizing its potential for healing.

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The investigation is spearheaded by the newly established "Epstein Truth Commission," a bipartisan panel within the New Mexico House of Representatives. Democratic state Representative Andrea Romero, who sponsored the legislation, highlighted the ranch as a primary focus for the commission, which aims to uncover the truth about the alleged trafficking and abuse that occurred there.

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The renewed scrutiny of Zorro Ranch follows a history of investigative challenges. After Epstein's arrest in 2019, New Mexico authorities were instructed by federal officials to halt their inquiries into his activities, which Romero described as a "miscarriage of justice." The commission aims to address these past failures by conducting a thorough investigation, including the potential issuance of subpoenas to compel testimony from individuals who may be reluctant to cooperate.

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Romero noted that the commission's role is not to prosecute but to establish a public record and identify legal gaps that may hinder victims from seeking justice. This includes examining statutes of limitations that could prevent prosecution of some cases.

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Romero stated, “This is so terrifying that this happened in our community, and so for us to have an official record about what occurred will provide us with the tools and resources of justice.” She emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth and addressing the legal barriers faced by victims. Former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas confirmed that his office had previously investigated Epstein's activities but was forced to pause due to federal jurisdiction.

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Huffines, in response to the investigation, reiterated his openness to law enforcement access, claiming that no agency had approached him for entry to the property. He stated, “If they do, of course they will be granted full and complete cooperation.”

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Critics of the investigation have raised concerns about the potential for political motivations behind the commission's actions. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed apprehension that the inquiry could be used to target political opponents. However, the commission's bipartisan nature aims to ensure a comprehensive examination of all evidence, regardless of political affiliation.

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The Epstein Truth Commission plans to pursue access to Zorro Ranch and other locations of interest, collaborating with the New Mexico Department of Justice. Its immediate focus will be on gathering testimony and establishing a public record of the events surrounding Epstein's activities in New Mexico. Lawmakers are also considering legislative changes to facilitate justice for survivors of abuse.

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• “There are folks of interest and locations of interest that we will likely visit—the Zorro Ranch absolutely being at the top of that list,” — Andrea Romero, New Mexico State Representative

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• “If that is not a mishandling of justice, I mean, what is?” — Andrea Romero, New Mexico State Representative

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• “ She added: “We're looking to our laws to try to figure out how there are gaps still for victims to come forward and seek justice, and we're looking to statutes of limitations to change to help victims who may want to seek that justice further.” — Andrea Romero, New Mexico State Representative

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